The Mineral Belt Trail, one of Colorado's newest, highest and most
spectacular paved pathways. Dedicated on July 29, 2000, this trail loops
the city of Leadville, traveling through aspen groves, conifer forests,
wildflower meadows, and open vista sage parks. It was designated as
a National Recreation Trail in June, 2002. It includes sections of rails
to trails from old mining railroad lilnes as well as an open-air museum
of mining history along the route.

Biking and skating are favorite activities.

The Mineral Belt Trail is a 12.5-mile all-season non-motorized wheelchair-accessible
route with numerous trailheads and access points. Approximately six
miles of this trail meanders through the historic Leadville Mining District.
It offers unsurpassed views of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges. The
trail is designed for bicycles, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and
in-line skaters. Wintertime enthusiasts will find the trail snowcat-groomed,
affording freestyle and classic Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and winter
biking.

"What makes this trail unique is that it goes through one of the greatest
mining districts in the world," says Lake County Assessor Howard A.
Tritz, an original member of the group which spearheaded trail development.
"It has some of the best scenery anywhere, and it's accessible and available
to everyone, visitors and locals alike, regardless of age or ability."

"Ideas for the trail ranged from mining tours to a bobsled run to an
aquarium that would display fish living in water originating from California
Gulch, Tritz recalls. "Residents chose the idea they liked best, which
was the multi-purpose trail. So this project is really the will of the
people in action."

Evidence of the Leadville area's historic mining
activity.

The Mineral Belt Trail Guide is available for $2 including postage
& handling from LeadvilleUSA.com
or from the Leadville/Lake County Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box
861, Leadville, CO 80461 — (719) 486-3900 or (800) 933-3901; E-mail:
leadville@LeadvilleUSA.com.

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